NoticeHere follows the text of the message presented to the Executive Committee
of the Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops by Catholics of Vision:
Canada, on August 28, 1997, following the completion of the signature campaign.
"It is now only dawn"(John XXIII)

PREAMBLE

Our symbol of the dawn breaking recalls the words addressed by Pope John
XXIII to the world's Bishops at the opening of the Second Vatican Council
on October 11, 1962:

The Council now beginning rises in the Church like
a daybreak, a forerunner of the most splendid light. It is now only dawn.

The Council was marked by a collegial and pastoral orientation, and raised
the expectation that eventually a similar orientation would characterize
the Church at all levels. However, this expectation has yet to be realized.
Instead, we have seen large numbers leave the Church. Equally large numbers
no longer attend regularly. In Canada vocations have declined and issues
which have surfaced since the Council are creating serious divisions among
the People of God. The focus on polarized reactions to issues detracts
from the "good news" which should be the central, visible manifestation
of our Church.

We see a serious crisis developing in the Church in Canada, and indeed
throughout the world. Our desire to address this crisis prompted us to
accept our responsibility as adult People of God, and to act. We seek to
collaborate with our sister and brother Catholics -- bishops, priests and
laity -- to address those issues which, unresolved, are dividing the Church.

We were encouraged by the new spirit of renewal evident in the signature
collecting campaigns undertaken initially in Austria and Germany and since
spreading to all continents of the globe. We wished to give Canadian Catholics
an opportunity to articulate their hopes for the future of the Church and
to identify those issues which, for many, now serve as obstacles to living
a fully Christian life.

In our campaign preparations we were inspired continually by the teachings
contained in the two great foundation documents of the Second Vatican Council:
"The Constitution on the Church" (Lumen Gentium) and "The Pastoral Constitution
on the Church in the Modern World" (Gaudium et Spes). We learn from these
teachings that the Church is, in Christ, a sacrament or instrumental sign
of union with God and of unity with all humanity. The Council Fathers stated
that "it is quite clear that all Christians in any state or walk of life
are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of love,
and by this holiness a more human manner of life is fostered also in earthly
society." (L..G. #40) The Council also stated that "hope in a life to come
does not take away from the importance of the duties of this life on earth,
but rather, adds to it by giving new motives for fulfilling those duties."
(G.S. #21)

Our aim has been to foster open and constructive discussion. In a spirit
of dialogue rather than confrontation we attempted to gather signatures
throughout the country. Our campaign was conducted in both official languages
between the Feast of Epiphany and the Feast of Pentecost, 1997, and our
message was addressed to the Canadian Bishops.

In our attempt to accurately "read the signs of the times" we have listened
to a large number of Catholics in Canada. We believe that the first step
to resolving the crisis is to begin to dialogue about those important issues
which are not being discussed. A forum which encourages everyone to come
forward and to speak without fear is required. In the spirit of the Second
Vatican Council we present this report to the Canadian Bishops with high
expectations of engaging in continuing "aggiornamento" (updating) of the
Church.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE VISION STATEMENT

The Vision Statement is a Canadian document developed after wide consultation
with Canadian Catholics. The issues identified have been raised at many
Canadian synods and are similar to those voiced in other countries.

The format which was finally approved moves from generalized hopes for
the future (numbers 1 and 2) through specific, divisive issues which require
dialogue for resolution (numbers 3,4 and 5) to a desire for a more collegial
governing structure (number 6).

The format adopted sometimes tended to inhibit responsiveness because
it required inclusive endorsement. Often disagreement with a single point
led to rejection of the whole Statement. Many lacked theological understanding
of certain contentious issues required for an informed assent. In these
cases deference to authority was often a substitute for understanding.

DISTRIBUTION PROCESS

The Catholics of Vision: Canada (CVC) office opened in Ottawa on October
31, 1996 to co ordinate volunteers, distribute the statement and record
returns. Approximately 10,000 copies of the vision statement were distributed
from the office. 7000 of these were printed in English; 3000 in French.
Some were mailed to persons who had volunteered to act as area coordinators;
the remainder were mailed to individuals who had signed the statement with
an invitation to gather more signatures.

Financial limitations prevented the printing of the statement in major
Canadian newspapers. To the best of our knowledge three Catholic papers
The Prairie Messenger, The Island Catholic News and the Catholic New Times
printed the statement as did two secular papers -- the Regina Free Press
and the Markham Economist and Sun. Also, newsletters published by "Corpus",
the "Coalition of Concerned Canadian Catholics" and the "Catholic Network
for Women's Equality" included copies of the statement.

Both the Statement and the Briefing Notes were placed on the internet,
and in the Ottawa area the statement was mailed directly to 2000 separate
school supporters. In some parts of the country, e.g.: Sudbury, Vancouver,
St. John's, Markham, Bragg Creek and Calgary, panel discussions and/or
public meetings were vehicles of distribution. Two peaceful demonstrations
-- Ottawa and Toronto -- provided opportunities to hand out the statement.

With few exceptions, parishes were not available to us to publicize
or distribute the Vision Statement. It should be noted that CVC did not
approach high school or university students. We did not make any special
effort to reach non practicing Catholics. We did not solicit support from
those who are not Catholics.

Reports from area leaders indicate that small group discussions and
personal networking were the most commonly used means of gathering signatures.
Obviously, coverage across Canada was spotty at best, determined largely
by the availability and efforts of local individuals.

ASSESSMENT OF THE PROCESS

1. The effectiveness of a campaign of this type depends on three major
factors: leadership, communication and resources.

a) "leadership" CVC had no profile leadership. We chose to be a grassroots
movement of ordinary Catholics. In areas of the country where local leadership
emerged, the campaign acquired credibility and ordinary Catholics felt
empowered.

b) "communication" We chose to communicate to both individuals and area
leaders primarily by direct mailing. The media, both secular and religious,
were helpful in raising awareness of the campaign. However, financial restrictions
prevented the extensive advertising necessary to reach large numbers of
Canadian Catholics.

c) "resources" The coalition of small organizations did not constitute
the extensive resources necessary for the infra structure of a national
enterprise. We regret being unable to reach most Catholics in Canada.

2. Opposition had a negative impact on the campaign.

a) Lack of support and/or direct opposition from some ecclesiastical authorities
impeded campaign progress. Across Canada, many Catholics expected to find
the statement available and/or discussed in their parishes.

b) In addition, organizations opposed to our initiative backed by substantial
financial resources published and distributed gross misrepresentations
of our statement, our resources and our intentions. These misrepresentations
created negative attitudes, fear and open hostility.

3. There were strengths in the campaign process.

a) Many local area leaders were afforded for the first time an opportunity
to exercise the responsibility encouraged by the Second Vatican Council.
(L.G. #37)

b) The emergence of local leadership empowered others to speak.

c) Discussion generated by the Statement provided a unique learning experience
for many.

d) For others, the campaign provided hope. As one person said "...the first
sign of hope I have seen in thirty years".

CAMPAIGN RESULTS

Five thousand, nine hundred and ten (5,910) persons signed the Statement
entitled "Our Vision of a Renewed Church."

In addition to the signed Statements the C.V.C. office received 276
letters. Of these 74% affirmed the initiative, 15% were requests for additional
information and 22% opposed the Vision Statement. Twenty-eight percent
of the letters of opposition could be classified as hate mail.

We must evaluate the strengths mentioned on the previous page as positive
results of the campaign. Acceptance of responsibility and empowerment of
people are signs of hope for the future.

Finally, we were privileged to become a listening post for so many personal
stories of suffering and pain. The awareness thus gained moves us to continued
action. We gained insight into the undeniable need for adult education
with our Church communities. We experienced the fear operative in many
Catholics. And our awareness of the drive for power and domination exhibited
by fundamentalist Catholics has been heightened.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESPONSE

Those aware of the resources and logistics required for a national survey
should see the level of response to the vision statement as an achievement,
given the limitations and obstacles outlined above. Any contention that
the 5,910 responses indicate minimal support for the substance of the statement
must be rejected. The response should be seen in the context of a wide
range of survey research and polling data that address similar positions.

This year Greeley and Hout surveyed five European countries and the
United States to ascertain support for change and reform in the Church.
Several items are directly parallel to those in the vision statement, e.g.:
married priests, ordination of women and election of Bishops. Their findings
indicate strong support for these items among Catholics in Spain, Italy,
Ireland and the United States. [Surveys on equivalent items do exist for
Canada, especially those conducted by Reginald Bibby.(Fragmented Gods,
Toronto: Irwin, 1987: and Unknown Gods, Toronto: Stoddard,1993.) These
indicate strong support by Catholics for some of the more contentious items.

a) Between 1975 and 1990, two surveys indicate that 80% and 77% of Catholics
support freedom for priests to marry. In the 1990 survey well over half
of weekly Church goers in all age categories held that celibacy should
be optional. (Bibby, 1993, p. 202ff)

b) Similarly 75% and 70% believe that women should be eligible for ordination.
Except for those over 55 (48%) over half of the weekly attendees held this
position in 1990. (Bibby, 1993, p. 202ff)

c) Recognition of the rights of homosexuals is supported by over 75% of
Catholics, including "committed Catholics." (Bibby, 1987, p. 159; 1993,
p. 86ff)

d) Questions relating to aspects of sexuality do not produce consistent
response patterns. (Bibby, 1987, p. 153ff; 1993, p. 86ff) However, there
is sufficient deviation from current official Church teaching to justify
consultation and dialogue among Catholics regarding these issues.

Surveys such as these aim at representativeness allowing for generalizations
to the whole Catholic population. Respondents to the vision statement do
not constitute such a representative sample. However, they point to the
existence of a strong desire to be heard, emerging from an important segment
of the Catholic community.

Nor should we ignore the fact that Canadian diocesan synod discussions
raise similar issues and point to a similar desire to be heard.

FINANCE OF THE C.V.C. CAMPAIGN

The C.V.C. campaign was financed entirely by voluntary contributions. Recognizing
the economic difficulties of so many in our country today, we asked people
to contribute "if and what they could." Because all activities were conducted
by volunteers, the moneys available were adequate to the tasks undertaken
but inadequate to conduct a more intensive campaign.

Total revenue received from all sources $13,648.67
Total expenses to June 18, 1997 $9,760.20
Excess of Revenue over expenditure $3,888.47

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED

A picture of the Catholic Church in Canada emerges from the letters, phone
calls, interviews, talk shows, press articles and reports from area leaders.
We have summarized below what we have heard and learned:

a) for many, their experience of Church is one of pain and rejection. Those
who voiced feelings of pain and rejection include: gays, lesbians and their
families, the divorced and remarried; single parent families; nuclear families,
the economically deprived; those living in closed and/or priest-less parishes;
individuals opposed to aspects of current Church discipline; and many women;

b) support for a married and/or female clergy is strong. Regular access
to eucharistic celebration is more important that a restrictive law;

c) many see minimal dialogue between Bishops and informed laity. There
is a general attitude that the Canadian Bishops have failed to resist the
growing centralization of power in Rome, and the fundamentalist Catholic
groups which support such centralization;

d) there is much fear among Catholics, especially among those employed
by or doing business with Catholic organizations;

f) there is an urgent need for sound adult education programs and preaching
in our parishes:

many Catholics have only a literal grasp of Scripture and Tradition and
a simplistic understanding of Church history;

the documents of the Second Vatican Council are not widely known;

social justice teachings, both Papal and Canadian Church in origin, have
not been sufficiently taught;

teachings on an informed conscience are not well known.

We have also learned that:

a) people would welcome a more collegial participatory Church government
in this country;

b) people would welcome the opportunity to participate in the development
of teachings on human sexuality;

c) marginalized people desire a forum in which to suggest the attitudes
and support services they require from their Church;

d) many are willing to dialogue openly if Church leaders support such dialogue;

e) many Catholics are concerned about the state of the Church in Canada,
especially the rise of Catholic fundamentalism. They are willing to help
but they see no way of doing so.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Since there is a need for dialogue at all levels within the Canadian
Catholic Church -- local, regional and national -- CVC recommends:

that the Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops (CCCB) work cooperatively
with all sectors in the Church to develop mechanisms which facilitate dialogue
so that all Catholics can express themselves on all issues of concern,
openly and without fear.

2. Because many Catholics in Canada believe that the Bishops have too often
abdicated their role as leaders of our Canadian Church, CVC recommends:

a) that the CCCB and the Bishops begin immediately to implement those items
in the Vision Statement which do not require Vatican approval;

b) that the Canadian Bishops speak forcefully in Rome to those issues in
the Vision Statement which concern the Universal Church, and that we in
Canada be kept informed of such interventions.

3. Because so many Catholics have little knowledge of conciliar documents,
social justice teachings--universal and Canadian--and contextualized Biblical
scholarship, CVC recommends:

that the CCCB facilitate in each diocese necessary adult education programs.

Certainly members of CVC across Canada are more than willing to help and/or
cooperate with initiatives flowing from these recommendations.

CLOSING STATEMENT

We thank you for receiving us to dialogue on our campaign and its findings.
Although none of us is "gifted with being able to foretell the future"
we are encouraged by the words of Ottawa's Archbishop Marcel Gervais, who
said "the model of Church that will last is that of co-responsibility with
the laity." We assess our initiative as a first, small step toward that
model, and as a sign of hope to many Canadian Catholics.